The Foundation to Medicine (FTM) module
Starting medical school is one of the most exciting milestones of your academic journey to becoming a physician. In the first term of St. George’s University’s 4-year MD Program, students will begin with the courses that discuss the core of medicine, divided into three structured modules: Foundations to Medicine (FTM), Musculoskeletal system (MSK), and Cardiovascular, pulmonary, and renal module (CPR).
The FTM module is an introduction to Basic Sciences and lays the groundwork for themes and concepts you will use repeatedly throughout med school, into your residency, and beyond. The time before your term starts is an excellent opportunity to familiarize yourself with the curriculum, develop efficient methods of learning, and understand how you can apply what you have learned.
What will you learn?
The FTM module reviews concepts across various disciplines, including Biochemistry, Histology and Cell Biology, Genetics, Cellular Physiology, Anatomy, and Pharmacology. Within these disciplines, key topics include:
- Cellular organelles: components and functions
- Cellular processes: Cell division and apoptosis
- Basic tissues: Structure and function (Connective tissue, nerves, muscle, autonomic nervous system)
- Central dogma of Molecular Biology: Replication, transcription, and translation
- Inheritance patterns: Molecular basis of inherited and multifactorial disorders
- Tools for Molecular genetics diagnosis
- Resting membrane potential
- Homeostasis and osmolarity
- Enzymes and Clinical Enzymology
- Cancer: Cell Biology and Genetics
- Signal transduction: Receptors; Actions; Agonists and antagonists
- Basics of Pharmacodynamics and Pharmacokinetics
- Introductory nutritional concepts
The FTM module acts like a glossary for medical school that will help support your success in future modules.
Learning Resources
Your primary resources while studying FTM will include:
- In-person interactive lectures
- Lecture recordings
- Directed learning activities (DLAs)
- Handouts
DLAs will be presented on topics you are already familiar with.
After reviewing the lecture materials, test your knowledge and application with practice questions that include brief explanations. Interactive multiple-choice question (IMCQ) sessions are held regularly in class, with faculty debriefings. Weekly formative quizzes are also provided to test your knowledge and understanding of the material. In addition, you can approach faculty with further questions during office hours.
There is also no shortage of support outside of the classroom environment. If you need a boost in better understanding your class materials, peer-learning sessions are offered by upper-term students. Joining small group discussions will help you review and elaborate on topics from your lectures, and assist in solidifying understanding.
The Department of Educational Services (DES) can also provide support with learning strategists who can help you develop a routine and incorporate best practices for medical school success.
How to excel in this module
Medicine involves a lot of memorization and application of FTM concepts to understand the molecular basis of disease processes. Here are some tried and tested tips to help you excel in this module:
- Enjoy the learning process. Maintain your enthusiasm and curiosity as you go.
- Stay disciplined by developing a routine that works for you.
- Use whiteboards and concept maps to connect ideas..
- Develop learning “tricks” to help you remember key concepts.
- Integrate learning into everyday life.
- Use objectives to gauge your progress.
- Make one-page summary sheets from lectures and DLAs.
- As you learn new concepts, ask yourself, “Why is this relevant as a physician?”
- Stick to the tried-and-true method, “Review, rinse, repeat.”
- Utilize faculty office hours and small groups.
- Test your knowledge and application abilities with questions.
- Take learning one step at a time, and continue progressing.
- Be proactive and seek help early when you need it.
Final Thoughts
Medical school is both an intellectual and emotional journey. At SGU, it is our privilege to be a part of the process which will ultimately transform you into a physician. With a growing network of world-class doctors, SGU students continue to achieve great things. Now, as you move forward in your academic journey, remember to adopt a growth mindset, ask many questions, gain practical experience, and evolve through daily incremental improvements– we’ll be here to support you every step of the way.
